Swede Stenson marches towards double Dubai honours

Saturday, 16 November 2013 00:00 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

Reuters: Henrik Stenson rattled in eight birdies for a second-round 64 to lead Dubai’s $8-million DP World Tour Championship on Friday, putting the Swede firmly in control of a five-man tussle to top the 2013 European money list. The world number three has yet to notch up a victory on the European circuit this year but won the U.S. PGA Tour’s end-of-season FedExCup in September and seems poised for another bumper payday following a near-flawless performance on the Greg Norman-designed Earth course. “I hit a lot of fairways, a lot of greens, gave myself opportunities and rolled a couple of nice putts,” said Stenson. “It could be a bit better, but there’s no point being greedy either. Everyone is going to miss a few out there on the greens. They are tricky to read, a lot of grain and they’re quick. I’m delighted with the first two days’ work.” Stenson is 12 under par on 132, one shot ahead of first-round leader Alejandro Canizares. The Spaniard saved par on the 18th with a 10-foot putt after finding the water, while Stenson shrugged off a missed eagle opportunity on the 14th as he picked up four shots on the final seven holes. The 37-year-old bogeyed the 18th on his first round but with the tee moved forward on day two he lofted a 120-foot wedge to the edge of the green that rolled back to within a yard of the pin, allowing him to sink a final birdie. He went into the European season finale leading the Race to Dubai, formerly known as the European Order of Merit. Stenson, England’s Justin Rose and Northern Ireland’s Graeme McDowell would all top the money list should they prevail over 72 holes on the desert course. Englishman Ian Poulter and Wales’s Jamie Donaldson would do likewise if they win this tournament and Stenson finishes third or lower. The chasing quartet are struggling to keep up with the nerveless Swede, who did not drop a shot all round and would net a $1-million bonus if he proves to be Europe’s top player of 2013. Rose (67) and Poulter (68) are among a group of players tied for fifth on 137, or seven under, while McDowell (68) and Donaldson (72) are on 140.